General Description:
Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. biflora (Walt.) Sarg. is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Nyssaceae. The tree is commonly known as black gum, sour gum, and tupelo. It can grow up to a height of 30 to 50 feet and spread outwards to form a rounded crown. The bark of the tree is dark gray and deeply furrowed, which adds to its aesthetic appeal.
Origin:
The plant is native to eastern North America, where it is commonly found in wetlands, swamps, and floodplains. It is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its beautiful foliage and showy fall color.
Uses:
Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. biflora (Walt.) Sarg. has many uses. Historically, the tree's timber was used in the creation of various tools, such as mallets and handles. The tree's fruits and young leaves are consumed by a variety of wildlife species, including birds, deer, and squirrels. Nowadays, it is commonly cultivated as an ornamental tree. Its dark green glossy leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall creating a picturesque display.
General Appearance:
The tree has a straight trunk, which branches out into a pyramidal shape bearing glossy green oval leaves alternately arranged on stems. The leaves can grow up to 5 inches long and have a slightly serrated edge. In the spring, the tree produces small greenish-yellow unassuming flowers that turn into dark blue edible fruits resembling small blueberries. The fruits are famous for their sweet taste and are used in the creation of jams and jellies.
Growth Conditions for Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. biflora (Walt.) Sarg.
Light: Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. biflora (Walt.) Sarg. is capable of growing in both full sun and partial shade, but it prefers moist, shaded areas. In areas with extreme heat, partial shade is ideal to prevent leaf burning.
Temperature: This plant can withstand a wide range of temperatures, from -10°F to 110°F. However, for optimal growth, it is recommended to keep the temperature between 60°F to 90°F.
Soil: This plant prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil with a pH range of 5.0-6.5. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clayey soils. However, the soil should be rich in organic matter and free of any contaminants. It is also important to maintain good soil moisture levels as the plant can be sensitive to drought conditions.
Cultivation
Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. biflora (Walt.) Sarg. is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 20m tall and 12m wide. It prefers moist, well-drained soils that are slightly acidic, although it can tolerate a range of soil types. This plant is best grown in zones 5-9, which corresponds to areas that experience cold to mild winters.
Watering Needs
Watering needs for Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. biflora (Walt.) Sarg. are moderate. The tree prefers moist soils, so it should be watered regularly during the growing season, especially during periods of drought. It is essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as the tree can be susceptible to root rot if the soil becomes too wet.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary for Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. biflora (Walt.) Sarg. However, a slow-release, balanced fertilizer can be added during the growing season to promote healthy growth. It is recommended to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth and weaken the tree's structure.
Pruning
Pruning of Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. biflora (Walt.) Sarg. should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed to promote healthy growth. The tree can be trained to a single leader or left to grow naturally with multiple trunks. It is recommended to avoid heavy pruning or topping, as this can damage the tree and affect its overall health.
Propagation of Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. biflora (Walt.) Sarg.
Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. biflora (Walt.) Sarg., commonly known as Black tupelo, is a deciduous plant native to the eastern United States. It is often used as an ornamental tree due to its attractive foliage and fall color. Propagation of this plant can be done through several methods.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. biflora through seed requires careful attention to detail. Collection of seeds should be done in the fall, after they have fully ripened and turned brown or black. Stratification, the process of exposing seeds to cold and moist conditions, is recommended for this plant to overcome dormancy. Seeds should be sown in the fall in a mixture of sand and topsoil and placed outdoors to undergo natural stratification. Germination will occur the following spring.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. biflora. However, this method is usually not successful and requires special attention. The best time for taking cuttings is in early summer when new growth is present. The cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood or softwood. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining, sandy soil mixture. The cuttings should be kept in a moist and warm environment, but not in direct sunlight. Rooting should occur between four and six weeks.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another propagation method for Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. biflora. This method involves attaching a stem cutting from the plant onto the rootstock. The rootstock plant should be a closely related species, and it should be of the same caliber as the cutting. The two plants should be carefully aligned and bound together until the graft has healed.
Disease Management
Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. biflora (Walt.) Sarg. is generally resistant to many diseases. However, certain environmental conditions and stress factors may weaken the plant's immune system and make it susceptible to various diseases. Some common diseases that might affect this plant are:
- Leaf spot: It is caused by fungi and can be identified by the appearance of spots on the plant's leaves. The spots may vary in size and color and may have a yellow halo around them. To manage this disease, you can remove the infected plant parts and apply a fungicide.
- Anthracnose: It is another fungal disease that affects the leaves and twigs of the plant. It can be identified by the dark brown or black spots that appear on the leaves. To manage this disease, you can prune the infected branches and apply a fungicide.
Pest Management
Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. biflora (Walt.) Sarg. is also susceptible to pest infestation. Some common pests that might affect this plant are:
- Aphids: These are small insects that suck the plant's sap and cause leaf distortion, yellowing, and stunted growth. To manage this pest, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mites: These are tiny pests that feed on the plant's leaves and cause yellowing and curling. To manage this pest, you can apply a miticide.
- Scale insects: These are difficult to detect as they look like bumps on the plant's stem and leaves. They suck the plant's sap and cause yellowing, wilting, and premature leaf drop. To manage this pest, you can use a horticultural oil.
Regular inspection of the plant for any signs of diseases or pests is crucial in managing their infestation. Maintaining proper plant care practices like watering, fertilizing, and pruning can also make the plant less susceptible to stress factors and diseases and pest infestations.
